Rathwood enters examinership, halts refunds

Garden centre and outdoor furniture retailer Rathwood has formally entered examinership and says that while it is still trading, refunds owed to customers who placed orders that were never delivered "cannot be processed at this time".

In a statement published on its website, the company, which is based outside Tullow, near the Carlow/Wicklow border, and employs around 100 people, said it would continue to trade as normal during the examinership process.

The statement reads: "We want to reassure all our customers, suppliers, and partners that we continue to trade as normal and operate fully in accordance with all applicable laws.

"Our business remains open, and we are continuing to sell goods and engage with customers and stakeholders as usual.

"At this time, we regret that we are not in a position to address any outstanding payments or refund requests relating to amounts owed up to today.

"These matters will be reviewed as part of the Examinership process, and we will provide further updates once the appointed persons have completed their initial report.

"We appreciate your understanding and continued support during this period."

Examinership is a legal process that allows a financially distressed, yet viable, company to obtain court protection from its creditors in an effort to restructure and try and solve its financial problems.

Rathwood was the second-most complained about company - after Ryanair - to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission's (CCPC) helpline last year, the number of complaints rising to 565 in 2025 from just 24 in 2024.

Previously, the company accepted it had issues with delays in orders being delivered and that there were slow response times in issuing refunds.

In an updated statement, Rathwood Home & Garden World Ltd confirmed it was placed under the protection of the High Court on 24 April 2026.

"Padraic Bermingham of Strata Financial has been appointed by the High Court as Examiner to oversee a restructuring of the business," it said.

It added: "Customers are advised that payments and refund requests relating to orders placed prior to 24 April 2026 cannot be processed at this time.

"These matters will be addressed as part of the court-supervised process, and further updates will be provided in due course.

"Rathwood Home & Garden World remains open and is continuing to trade as normal. All retail, restaurant, and other services remain open and are operating without interruption.

"The Examiner and management are working closely under the supervision of the High Court with the objective of securing the future of the business and protecting the interests of employees, customers, suppliers, and creditors. This statement is issued to provide clarity and a factual update on the current process.

"Rathwood Home & Garden World would like to thank all stakeholders for their continued patience and understanding during this period."

A Rathwood spokesperson told RTÉ News earlier this month that it acknowledged the company "fell short" and that it was "fully committed" to restoring customer trust.

In a statement, the company said that last year "we lost our main supplier of uniquely designed garden furniture and have since rebuilt our supply chain, creating a stronger and more reliable system for the future".

Olivia Dunne from Co Kildare said she had ordered from Rathwood in February, spending €1,300 on garden furniture that she said was due to be delivered on 18 March.

After that was delayed, she was told that the 'guaranteed delivery' included a 20-day window, but her furniture still had not arrived.

She went in person to the company's premises this morning to look for information.

"What really annoyed me is the girl in Rathwood said she would get it sorted," she said.

Ms Dunne said she was told this, even after the examinership period had started.

She said that "what's really frustrating is there is no signage there in the shop," which she said meant that some customers may still be ordering goods that may not be delivered.

She said she had wanted to order her furniture from a trusted Irish company, but had now ordered alternative furniture from the UK, whilst she awaits news of a refund.

Another customer, Muireann Neylon said she had paid €378 for outdoor furniture on 6 April.

"It was an online order. The furniture, composed of two rattan chairs and a small table, supposed to be delivered next week."

She said: "My furniture seems to be in limbo. So disappointing! I wanted to order from an Irish company."

Commenting on a Facebook group set up to discuss the refunds issue which now has 700 members, some users said the website looked the same today as when they ordered with new garden furniture sets available for sale.

One user based in Cork, said it was "unacceptable" that the company was to allowed to carry on for months with "no accountability and no protection for the public".